Castle Pines City Council recently took a significant step toward bringing new recreation opportunities to the residents of Castle Pines and shifting the management of all recreation services from the Castle Pines Parks Authority to the City.
City Council voted unanimously in support of a Resolution that terminates the Castle Pines Parks Authority and transfers its assets of $719,000 to the City. The Agreement states that the City and the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) anticipate the City will become the citywide service provider for all current and future parks and recreation services.
The City is eager to use the funds to install new pickleball courts and an outdoor fitness court designed for bodyweight circuit training. Proposed to be built at Elk Ridge Park, the City is hopeful that construction on these amenities will begin in the fall.
"This is an exciting step in the continuing evolution of our community," stated Mayor Tera Radloff. "On behalf of the City Council, I would like to thank the Douglas County Commissioners for 20 years of parks and recreation support in our community. I'd also like to thank Councilmember Deborah Mulvey, CPNMD Director Denise Crew and the Parks Authority board of directors, including David Necker, Joan Millspaugh, Tom Weldon and Randy Burkhardt for their thoughtful and collaborative approach to the asset transfer and termination of the Parks Authority. Without their involvement and dedication we wouldn't be starting this endeavor on such a positive trajectory."
In addition to the new pickleball courts and the outdoor fitness court, the transferred funds will be used for other outdoor courts, trail improvements and recreational amenities identified in the City's Parks and Recreation Plan.
These proposed projects are based on past community discussions about how to utilize the money and ongoing engagement with residents about what amenities best fit the community and the space available. Approximately 15 residents attended a recent City Council meeting and spoke in support of pickleball courts in the community.
Paula Buffetti, a Castle Pines resident, attended a recent City Council meeting and said, "In order to enjoy some of the more adult recreation and fitness activities, we need to [leave the City]. Pickleball is a fun, social and competitive activity. I believe that adding courts would be a wonderful addition to our City [and] I can see it complementing our other wonderful parks and trails here in Castle Pines."
